News Headlines

Steve Harris to lead Paracanoeing programme

on 14-01-2013 10:30

Following recent confirmation of UK Sport’s funding for Paracanoe, which will make its debut appearance at the next Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, GB Canoeing is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Harris as the Programme Manager for the sport over the next quadrennial.

Steve, who comes from London, set up the Paracanoe performance programme in September 2011 and has led it though a hugely successful 2012 season with the British team winning multiple medals at the World and European Championships. An impressive tally of five gold and one bronze was the best ever performance for Great Britain in Paracanoe, which saw them finish top nation at the World Championships in Poznan.

Steve brings a wealth of experience to the role having been represented GB at senior level, holding the title of World Champion in the marathon event from 1994 – 1997. A former soldier, sports science and teaching graduate, he has been a GB Technical Coach for the last seven years and in 2009 graduated from the acclaimed UK Sport Elite Coach Programme.

Commenting on his new role Steve said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Programme Manager for Paracanoe. Having started the Paracanoe journey some 18 months ago I feel very privileged and excited to have the opportunity to continue that journey to Rio and beyond. With funding now in place for the Paralympic programme from 1st April 2013, I feel that GB Canoeing will be able to build on the success it has had over the last 18 months and further enhance its programme to be able to compete for the first ever Paracanoe Paralympic medals in Rio 2016.

"Having started the Paracanoe journey some 18 months ago I feel very privileged and excited to have the opportunity to continue that journey to Rio and beyond."Steve Harris

“The Paralympics of London 2012 changed the landscape for disability sport dramatically within the UK. The support and buy in from the public across the country, driven by some fabulous performances from the athletes was unprecedented and created a feel good factor that was just unbelievable. There will never be a better, more exciting time to be working within Paralympic sport.”

Welcoming Steve’s appointment, John Anderson MBE, GB Canoeing Performance Director said: “Steve did a fantastic job putting the foundations of a professional support structure in place for Paracanoe which has already paid dividends. Steve’s appointment, coupled with the funding from UK Sport gives us a great base to build from and ensure we can be competitive, challenging for medals in every class come the Paralymics in 2016. I look forward to working with him on this exciting new opportunity for our sport.”

Steve will take up the post with immediate effect.

Comments

The BPA would like to see lots of people engaging with the news and information that we post on our website.
If you would like to participate in the conversation, however, please ensure you comply with the House Rules.
The BPA reserves the right to remove posts which do not comply with these Rules or which are considered irrelevant to the post.